Tuesday, December 11, 2012

New National Institutes of Health Research Study


NIH Research Study: Open-label Dose-titration Study of the Tolerability and Efficacy of Cinacalcet to Treat Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF23)-mediated Hypophosphatemia
Principal Investigator: Dr. Rachel Gafni, MD
Sponsoring Institute: Craniofacial and Skeletal Diseases Branch, NIDCR, National Institutes of Health

The purpose of this study is to see how treatment with a drug called cinacalcet affects people with low blood phosphorus (hypophosphatemia) caused by hypophosphatemic rickets or tumor-induced osteomalacia.  Studies have suggested that cinacalcet may decrease phosphorus loss by the kidneys in these disorders.  If the cinacalcet works, the blood level of phosphorus may be higher.  This could result in patients needing less phosphorus medication.  It may also help the bones become stronger.

This study will help us figure out the best dose of cinacalcet and how many times a day it should be taken.   Individuals who qualify for the study will take cinacalcet in addition to vitamin D and phosphorus.   All study visits will be at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.  There will be up to 3 inpatient visits and several outpatient clinic and lab visits. Once cinacalcet therapy is started, there will be 3 - 5 visits with a physician every 3 weeks over a 4- to 7-month period.  During the NIH visits, participants will undergo several assessments, which may include a dental evaluation, blood tests, urine tests, x-rays, and questionnaires.  Patients will be paid for participation in this study.  You may be eligible if you are between 18 and 70 years of age and have been diagnosed with low blood phosphorus.  For more information, please contact the NIH Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison hotline at 1-800-411-1222 or prpl@cc.nih.gov.